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  • We must turn debt into economic asset, says Shettima

    We must turn debt into economic asset, says Shettima

    Nigeria must transform its public debts into strategic assets for economic growth and poverty reduction, rather than viewing it as a financial burden, Vice President Kashim Shettima said yesterday.

    Shettima spoke while inaugurating the Supervisory Board of the Debt Management Office (DMO) at the State House, Abuja.

    The board is part of Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen fiscal and monetary policy coordination and ensure long-term debt sustainability in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda (RHA).

    Speaking during the meeting as Board chair, the vice president charged the members to come up with a more strategic approach to public debt management.

    Shettima noted that Nigeria must continue to use public debt as a vehicle for the development of critical infrastructure and tool for economic growth and poverty reduction, a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, said.

     He said: “With prudent management, debt can be transformed into an asset for economic growth and poverty reduction.

    “Our goal must be to formulate policies, regulations, and guidelines for the DMO, with a view to achieving long-term debt sustainability for our country.”

    Shettima explained that this approach aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu’s administration, which prioritises fiscal discipline, economic stability, and sustainable development.

    He said borrowing, when applied prudently, could serve as a catalyst for economic growth rather than a financial liability.

    “As you all know, public debt, if prudently applied, becomes an asset for economic growth and poverty reduction. However, recent realities in our economy call for stronger coordination between our fiscal and monetary policies,” he said.

    Read Also: Shettima backs ‘Naija Creates Project’

    Acknowledging the President’s efforts towards reforming the economy, the vice president commended his doggedness.

    He also praised the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy and the DMO leadership for their untiring efforts in the day-to-day management of the nation’s sovereign debt portfolio.

    He said: “I want to commend the dedication of our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his dogged efforts towards reforming our economy. I applaud the Honourable Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and the DMO management, for their untiring efforts in the day-to-day management of our sovereign debt portfolio.”

    The vice president also noted Nigeria’s recent success in the global financial market on the issuance of a $2.2 billion double-tranche Eurobond, which he described as a testament to investor confidence in the country. 

    He said: “I also use this opportunity to congratulate them and other members of the Nigerian delegation for a successful outing in the recent $2.2 billion double-tranche Eurobond issuance.

    “The over-subscription rate of the bonds showed an impressive appetite for our country’s sovereign instruments in the global capital market.”

    The Board, which has the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun as its vice chairman and Director-General of the Debt Management Office, Patience Oniha (Secretary).

    Other members are: Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Dr. Tope Fasua; Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Olayemi Cardoso and Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), Dr. Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein.

  • Nigeria must turn debt into economic asset – Shettima 

    Nigeria must turn debt into economic asset – Shettima 

    …inaugurates DMO’s supervisory board 

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasised the need for Nigeria to transform its public debt into a strategic asset for economic growth and poverty reduction, rather than viewing it as a financial burden.

    Shettima laid the emphasis while inaugurating the Supervisory Board of the Debt Management Office (DMO) as part of efforts by the federal government to strengthen fiscal and monetary policy coordination and ensure long-term debt sustainability in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Speaking during the Meeting of the Board on Wednesday at the State House, Abuja, the Vice President who is also Chairman of the Board charged the members to come up with a more strategic approach to public debt management. 

    According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima noted that Nigeria must continue to use public debt as a vehicle for the development of critical infrastructure and tool for economic growth and poverty reduction.

     “With prudent management, debt can be transformed into an asset for economic growth and poverty reduction. Our goal must be to formulate policies, regulations, and guidelines for the DMO, with a view to achieving long-term debt sustainability for our country,” the VP stated.

    VP Shettima explained that this approach aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which prioritizes fiscal discipline, economic stability, and sustainable development.  

    Read Also; Tolling highways, a welcome development, says MC Oluomo

    He stressed that borrowing, when applied prudently, could serve as a catalyst for economic growth rather than a financial liability.  

    “As you all know, public debt, if prudently applied, becomes an asset for economic growth and poverty reduction. However, recent realities in our economy call for stronger coordination between our fiscal and monetary policies,” he said. 

    He commended President Bola Tinubu for his economic reforms, acknowledging the President’s dogged efforts towards reforming the Nigerian economy. 

    He also praised the minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy and the DMO leadership for their untiring efforts in the day-to-day management of the nation’s sovereign debt portfolio.

    “I want to commend the dedication of our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in his dogged efforts towards reforming our economy. I applaud the Honourable Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, and the DMO Management, for their untiring efforts in the day-to-day management of our sovereign debt portfolio,” he said. 

    The Vice President also noted Nigeria’s recent success in the global financial market on the issuance of a $2.2 billion double-tranche Eurobond, which he described as a testament to investor confidence in the country.  

    “I also use this opportunity to congratulate them and other members of the Nigerian delegation for a successful outing in the recent $2.2 billion double-tranche Eurobond issuance. The over-subscription rate of the bonds showed an impressive appetite for our country’s sovereign instruments in the global capital market.

    “Other members of the Board are Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun (Vice Chairman); Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (member); Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Dr. Tope Fasua (member); Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso (member); Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), Dr. Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein (member), and Director-General of the Debt Management Office, Patience Oniha (Secretary).”

  • Shettima: When the bridge-builder showed up for Persona Non Grata

    Shettima: When the bridge-builder showed up for Persona Non Grata

    • By Zainab Suleiman Okino

    Something quite remarkable and sublime, yet a powerful testament, capable of setting the tone for a discourse on national cohesion happened recently at a rather innocuous book launch of a professional colleague. The book also has an unusual title, Persona Non Grata, a personal account of the author, Ismail Omipidan’s life and experiences from relative obscurity to limelight. 

    The title of the book is as intriguing as the audience. The event’s significance lay not just in its content but in its audience – a diverse assembly of Nigerians that resembled a national unity summit. The gathering brought together individuals from various political affiliations, religious beliefs, and ethnic backgrounds, all united in support of the author. Leading this convergence of diversity was Vice President Kashim Shettima, whose presence highlighted his brotherly connection to the author and his own cosmopolitan nature. This appearance preceded Shettima’s impressive showing at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he continued to make Nigerians proud.

    The intriguing title “Persona Non Grata” was eloquently explained by book reviewer Lasisi Olagunju at the January 18 event at Ladi Kwali Hall, Continental Hotel. The Latin phrase, meaning “person not welcome,” stemmed from an incident where a North-eastern governor withdrew his guarantee of the author’s security, fearing potential harm from his supporters.

    The narrative then connects to the broader context of Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election, where the Muslim-Muslim ticket of President Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima sparked intense debate. Despite Tinubu’s marriage to Remi Tinubu, a Pentecostal pastor from Edo state, the ticket faced criticism as an alleged attempt to marginalise Nigeria’s Christian population. This led to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) supporting Labour Party’s Peter Obi, while the predominantly Muslim North backed the Tinubu-Shettima ticket and set the stage for our perennial North-South and Christian-Muslim “hate” debates.

    During this period, Vice President Shettima faced unfounded accusations of Boko Haram connections, despite his strong support among Borno state’s Christian community and his history of interfaith relationships. His appointments since taking office – including Stanley Nwokocha as Senior Special Assistant from the South-east, an Igbo chief detail, and a Northern Christian ADC – have demonstrated his inclusive leadership and broad minded approach.

    Back to the book launch which gave rise to this intervention and the place of Shettima in the life of the author. To underscore his appealing aura and legendary humility, the VP practically courted the friendship of the author when he (Ismail) was a poor journalist plying his trade from the North-east axis of the country when the VP was a bank manager up to when he became the governor. Deliberately cultivating relationship seems to be VP’s second nature as testified by many. In their submissions, (VP and Ismail), both were endeared to each other despite the social gap and cultural difference. That relationship which stemmed from friendship and admiration endured till today and as it was that day.

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    At the book launch, Shettima’s role transcended that of special guest of honour and keynote speaker. He became an active facilitator, using his charisma and oratory skills to encourage greater participation and support for the project. His genuine connection with Ismail, whom he calls “brother from another mother,”. With hand gestures and eye contacts, he politely pleaded with dignitaries to increase their announced donations. He dropped all protocols to support his brother.

    And here lie the deeds that speak to the Nigerian diversity and how it can be turned into an advantage rather than the way we view and politicise it. VP Shettima and Ismaila do not speak the same language; they belong to different ethnic/geographic groups and regions, but their bond has enhanced positivity in diversity.  The event ultimately demonstrated how Nigeria’s diversity can be transformed from a perceived challenge into a strength through genuine relationships and understanding across cultural, religious, and ethnic boundaries.

    Like VP Shettima, like Ismail Omipidan, whose own life story mirrors this spirit of national unity. Born in Otukpo, Benue state, his journey took him through Kaduna, Maiduguri, Kano, Ibadan, Abuja, and Lagos; and his political tentacles extends to the eastern part of the country (he was once an aide to Deputy Senate President Ekweremadu ) to his origin in Osun state where he served as Chief Press Secretary to former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola; all these groups were at Ismail Omipidan’s event. They did not just show up, every group wanted to own and claim him. Omipidan was that cosmopolitan and patriotic Nigerian who feels at home in all parts of the country.

    I know, because I have come a long way with him from our days at Daily Trust (Weekend) where he began his career as an intern and beyond. On a lighter note, and to Ismail, I’m Mama (Momo as he calls me). If you care to know how this endearing expression came about, please ask Professor Farooq Kperogi, a US based scholar who wrote the foreword to the book and who according to Olagunju gave “a positive testimony and testimonial to the person” of Ismail Omipidan.

    Zainab Suleiman Okino chairs Blueprint Editorial Board. She is a syndicated columnist and can be reached via: zainabokino@gmail.com

  • Shettima calls for end to tanker explosions

    Shettima calls for end to tanker explosions

    • VP, Sanwo-Olu mourn Enugu victims • FRSC develops multi-sectoral approach to prevent recurrence

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic fuel tanker explosion in Enugu State, which claimed multiple lives and left several others injured.

    In a statement, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, quoted Shettima as saying said it was time to end avoidable tanker accidents and explosions.

    The tanker had on Saturday veered off course and burst into flames along the Ugwu-Onyeama section of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.

    “His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is seriously worried by the frequency of these tanker explosion incidents on public roads and residential areas, which are ordinarily avoidable.

    Read Also: Shettima calls for end to tanker explosions

    Shettima promised that following Mr. President’s directive, the government will engage relevant agencies, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), on ways the road traffic authorities, as well as federal and state Transportation Ministries could cooperate to forestall further tanker accidents and explosions.

    Also, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has mourned the victims of the tanker explosion.

    In a statement, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, the governor conveyed his condolences to his Enugu State counterpart, Peter Mbah, and the residents of Enugu.

    “The news of the devastating petrol tanker explosion at the Ugwu Onyeama section of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, which claimed some lives, is deeply worrisome and calls for concern,” Sanwo-Olu said.

     The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, said the corps has developed a multisectoral approach to halt the recurring incidents of tanker crashes/explosions and fatalities that result from it.

  • Shettima calls for end to tanker explosions

    Shettima calls for end to tanker explosions

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic fuel tanker explosion in Enugu State, which claimed multiple lives and left several others injured. 

    In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said it is time to put an end to avoidable tanker accidents and explosions.

    The fuel tanker had on Saturday veered off course and burst into flames along the Ugwu-Onyeama section of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.

    In a condolence message to families of those who lost their lives and the injured, the Vice President noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is very concerned and disturbed by the incident and other tanker explosions in recent times.

    “It was with a heart full of sadness that I received news of the fuel tanker explosion that occurred on Saturday, January 25, 2025, in Ugwu Onyeama local government area of Enugu State. I am deeply saddened that another tanker accident would lead to the loss of lives of Nigerians, leaving others injured in the gory incident.

    “His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is seriously worried by the frequency of these tanker explosion incidents on public roads and residential areas, which are ordinarily avoidable. Just as he has directed the relevant agencies in his message of condolence on Sunday, I want to reassure Nigerians that the government will stop at nothing to put an end to tanker accidents on our roads,” he said.

    Read Also: Shettima, Yusuf laud Tijjaniyya sect’s peace efforts

    VP Shettima promised that following Mr. President’s directive, the government will engage relevant agencies, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), on possible ways the road traffic authorities, as well as federal and state Transportation Ministries can cooperate to urgently forestall further tanker accidents and explosions across the country.”

    Commiserating with families of the victims, Senator Shettima said, “I express my profound condolences to the government and people of Enugu State, particularly the families that lost their loved ones and those that are undergoing treatment for various degrees of injuries in the hospitals.

    “While my thoughts and prayers are with you, I pray Almighty God to grant eternal rest to the souls of the departed and quick return to health for the injured.”

  • Nigerians will soon reap benefits of economic policies – Shettima assures

    Nigerians will soon reap benefits of economic policies – Shettima assures

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians that despite the current economic and social challenges, the country will soon begin to experience the benefits of the necessary difficulties being faced.

    Shettima gave this assurance in Abuja on Monday while delivering a goodwill message at a two-day National Conference themed “Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy: Pathway to Good Governance and Political Integrity.”

    The conference is organized by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WfD), Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA), and the National Peace Committee.

    Represented by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the Vice President acknowledged widespread concerns about government policies but emphasized that the challenges being faced are necessary steps towards long-term national progress.

    According to the Vice President, “I would like to assure Nigerians that our administration is acutely aware of many concerns over our direction and goals, particularly given the difficulties which some of our policies inevitably generate. 

    “We are involved in correcting many defects in our economy and approaches to securing the citizen. We have been honest to admit that this transition from a broken past and a promising future will not be without a price, and we will remain focussed on easing the pain and ensuring that we do not take our eyes off the goals. 

    “We will listen and adjust where necessary, and we will account our stewardship in all manners challenging our democratic systems demands”

    Assuring Nigerians further, Shetimma said, “I am convinced that we will reap the benefits of our current, unavoidable difficulties. I am convinced that Nigeria shall rise again, answer to its full potential and lead the way to a future that would have learnt lessons from a difficult past into a world in which our country will be a key player, and our young will be active champions of a democratic system because it speaks to them.”

    Appealing to Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in this challenging time, maintaining that government “will continue to seek to provide evidence of the values of the democratic systems by, among others, fixing major weaknesses of our economy, securing our communities, fighting corruption, supporting free and fair elections, strengthening the independence of the judiciary and improving national cohesion.”

    In his keynote address former Vice President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia said there was a need to ensure that democracy delivers inclusive opportunities. 

    The immediate past Ghanaian Vice President noted that the productive energies of young people need to be harnessed properly to empower them to play positive roles in democratic sustenance. 

    He stressed that  one of the most important determinants of a flourishing democracy is the quality of institutions — institutions capable of guaranteeing rights, including property rights, and checking wanton abuse of power. 

    Bawumia said these institutions include the Independent Election Management bodies, the Judiciary, the Ombudsman, the Police, other law enforcement agencies, and many others.

    He pointed out that unfortunately, whilst the culture of peacefully choosing leaders is being entrenched, these institutions are becoming weak and endangered.

    The Director General of Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim in his paper, “Democracy in Nigeria: Challenges, Prospects and the 2027 Elections,” lamented that people are interested in access to power with no commitment to what democracy is supposed to provide.

    According to him, “a situation where they have no commitment to ideals of democracy.  The real outcome is increasing apathy. The people have lost the right to exercise power because it has been confiscated from them. That creates the crisis of apathy.”

    Speaking on behalf of the organisers, the founding Executive Director, Centre LSD, Dr. Otive Igbuzor noted that despite the uninterrupted civilian rule of 25 years, the country’s democratic journey is been beset by structural and functional flaws.

    He identified such flaws to include electoral malpractices, ineffective political parties, and weakened governance structures to pervasive corruption and a concerning erosion of public trust.

    Read Also: Shettima, Yusuf laud Tijjaniyya sect’s peace efforts

    According Igbuzor, “Despite decades of democratic practice, the realities faced by Nigerians today often reflect disillusionment rather than hope. The goal of this conference, therefore, is to reignite hope, rebuild trust, and lay out a road map toward a strengthened democratic system that serves all Nigerians with integrity and accountability.”

    Emphasising the need for democratic reforms, he said, “Our aim through this conference is to initiate reform efforts that will strengthen our electoral process and ensure that our leadership selection process is credible. 

    “Secondly, we seek to mobilize and strengthen our political parties. Political parties are the bedrock of any democracy, yet in Nigeria, they often fall short of the ideals of transparency, accountability, and responsiveness. The focus of this conference includes fostering the development of political parties that are truly representative, open to internal democracy, and accountable to the people. By addressing these issues, we envision political parties that champion the voice and needs of Nigerians, providing viable choices for leadership and governance.”

  • Nigeria will drive Africa’s growth with education, innovation — Shettima

    Nigeria will drive Africa’s growth with education, innovation — Shettima

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging education, youth empowerment, and innovation in agriculture as key strategies to address both global and domestic challenges. 

    On a continental level, the Vice President noted that African youths are central to this transformation. 

    Speaking at the Financial Times Global Risk Roundtable at the ongoing 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, VP Shettima observed however that while crises abound, they also present opportunities for nations to rebuild stronger.  

    He said, “The word for crisis in Chinese is ‘Wei Ji’. Wei stands for danger, while Ji stands for opportunity. Yes, we have challenges, but those challenges are pregnant with opportunities to re-engineer our society and build back better.”  

    The Vice President reaffirmed Nigeria’s resolve to embrace innovation and empowerment, particularly through education, gender-focused initiatives, and smart agriculture to propel its economy into the fourth post-industrial revolution.

    In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said “the crisis has given us a unique opportunity to invest in people, especially in areas that will enable us to leapfrog our economies into global competitiveness”.  

    Senator Shettima also expressed disbelief in dependency on foreign aid, advocating instead for equal partnerships that uphold dignity. 

    “I don’t believe in aid; I believe in partnership. I’d rather carry my poverty with dignity and deal with people, nations, and companies on a pedestal of equality, not in a master-servant relationship. I didn’t come with a begging bowl,” he said.  

    Read Also: FG considering convertion of colleges of education to universities, says Minister

    The VP expressed optimism about Africa’s prospects, noting the continent’s rich resources and strategic importance to global growth, saying, “My continent is the richest in the world, and the trajectory of global growth is facing Africa. Nigeria will make or mar that transition. The youths of Africa are the drivers of change.”  

    Acknowledging global crises, including conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Sudan, the Vice President noted their impact on supply chains, humanitarian challenges, and peace. 

    He called for multilateral collaboration, stressing that the interconnected nature of global challenges requires collective solutions.  

    “There is an incestuous relationship between economy and ecology in the African continent. But hope springs eternal in the hearts of men. As members of the same human family, we can find solutions to our challenges. We must look inward to solve our problems, but multilateralism is key. These challenges are global, and we must fuse into one human family to overcome them,” the Vice President added.

  • 2025 WEF: Shettima woos foreign investors

    2025 WEF: Shettima woos foreign investors

    The Federal Government has called on foreign businessmen to harness the immense opportunities in Nigeria and other African nations through investments.

    It admonished them to discard the negative tales they hear and maximise Africa’s readiness for economic transformation.

    Vice-President Kashim Shettima stated this at the ongoing annual meeting of the 2025 World Economic Forum ( WEF) in Davos, Switzerland yesterday.

    The  forum is themed “Roadmap to Co-create Investment Opportunities for Africa’s Frontier Markets.’’

    Yesterday’s session was co-chaired by Mirek Dusek, managing director of the WEF, and Marie-Laure Akin Olugbade, senior vice-president, African Development Bank (AFDB) Group.

    Read Also: Shettima expresses shock over Niger tanker explosion

    The discussions focused on the Humanitarian and Resilience Investing Roadmap for Africa.

    Shettima told participants at the session that Nigeria was poised to invade the global business platform with modernisation and robust investments.

    He said that  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a seasoned chartered accountant, was working to make Nigeria an investment destination in Africa.

    A  statement by Stanley Nkwocha,  senior special assistant to the President on Media and Communications  (Office of the Vice-President), quoted  Shettima saying: “For 20 years, I was in the Nigerian banking industry.   

  • Shettima in Davos for 2025 WEF

    Shettima in Davos for 2025 WEF

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Davos, Switzerland, to represent Nigeria at this year’s annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), a prestigious gathering of global leaders, business executives, and development partners.

    Shettima’s arrival in Davos was announced in a statement yesterday in Abuja by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha.

    The statement said during his time in Davos, VP Shettima will participate in bilateral meetings and discussions aimed at advancing the nation’s economic opportunities and addressing global risks.

    A notable event on the Vice President’s schedule is a workshop, titled: Roadmap to Co-create Investment Opportunities for Africa’s Frontier Markets, organised by the African Development Bank (AfDB) in collaboration with the WEF. This session will focus on driving capital flows into Africa to support inclusive development and resilience across the continent.

    Read Also: PSFU arrests students, corps members over alleged fraud

    One of the major highlights of the Vice President’s engagements is the launch of the Humanitarian and Resilience Investing (HRI) Roadmap for Africa, a collaborative effort between the AfDB and other partners. The initiative aims to foster public-private partnerships and attract investments into Africa’s emerging markets.

    Besides, the Vice President will co-chair a forum on “Turning Digital Trade into a Catalyst for Growth in Africa” at the Pischa Congress Centre. The forum will provide insights into leveraging the private sector to accelerate the implementation of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol, a framework adopted by African Union (AU) leaders in January 2024.

    Vice President Shettima is also scheduled to attend the annual meeting 2025 Crystal Awards dinner for heads of state, government officials, and international organizations at Kurpark Village, Eiger.

    Another key engagement is his participation as a panelist in a session, titled: Global Risks 2025, which will take place at the Aspen 2 Congress Centre. This dialogue will explore critical geopolitical, technological, and environmental risks shaping the global landscape.

    Accompanying the Vice President to Davos are senior government officials, including the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Aisha Rimi.

  • Shettima arrives Davos for 2025 WEF

    Shettima arrives Davos for 2025 WEF

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Davos to represent Nigeria at the 2025 annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), a prestigious gathering of global leaders, business executives and development partners.

    This was contained in a statement issued on Monday by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha.

    While in Davos,  Shettima will participate in bilateral meetings and discussions aimed at advancing the nation’s economic opportunities and addressing global risks. 

    A notable event on the Vice President’s schedule is a workshop titled “Roadmap to Co-create Investment Opportunities for Africa’s Frontier Markets,” organised by the African Development Bank (AfDB) in collaboration with the WEF. 

    This session will focus on driving capital flows into Africa to support inclusive development and resilience across the continent.

    One of the major highlights of the Vice President’s engagements is the launch of the Humanitarian and Resilience Investing (HRI) Roadmap for Africa, a collaborative effort between the AfDB and other partners. The initiative aims to foster public-private partnerships and attract investments into Africa’s emerging markets.

    In addition, the Vice President will co-chair a forum on “Turning Digital Trade into a Catalyst for Growth in Africa” at the Pischa Congress Centre. The forum will provide insights into leveraging the private sector to accelerate the implementation of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol, a framework adopted by African Union leaders in January 2024.

    Read Also: Shettima departs Abuja for Davos to attend 2025 World Economic Forum

    Shettima is also scheduled to attend the Annual Meeting 2025 Crystal Awards dinner for heads of state, government officials, and international organizations at Kurpark Village, Eiger.

    Another key engagement is his participation as a panelist in a session titled “Global Risks 2025”, which will take place at the Aspen 2 Congress Centre. This dialogue will explore critical geopolitical, technological, and environmental risks shaping the global landscape.

    Accompanying the Vice President to Davos are senior government officials, including the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole and the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Aisha Rimi.

    The Vice President is expected to return to Abuja after his engagements in Davos.